FPGA-Based RF Signal Generator for Radar Applications

Advances in communications have enabled the development of various types of radars for applications such as cartography, military industry, materials testing, air traffic control, and autonomous vehicle guidance. We present the design and implementation of an embedded system for generating Radio Frequency (RF) signals for radar applications. Using a Cyclone V Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and the BladeRF 2.0 platform, the system employs Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) and In-phase/Quadrature (I/Q) modulation techniques for precise signal generation. The carrier signal embeds information from Lineal Frequency-Modulated signals (LFM), which are shifted in frequency to the S-band. Additionally, a synchronization module has been implemented to ensure precise activation during transmission. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in signal stability, flexibility, and precision. This development advances high-frequency embedded technologies with applications in wireless communications and radar detection systems.